A NEW 80s-theme bar stands accused of ruining the traditional look of a high street, with one resident comparing its appearance to “A Turkish brothel”.

Billie Jeans, which has opened on the old site of the MF Boudoir, in Epping High Street, has upset some people in the town with its bright pink colouring scheme and electric blue trees.

Maxine Starling, of Epping High Road, said: “It's painted shocking pink. Shocking by name, shocking by nature.

“I've been stopped in the street mainly by the elderly concerned about the change in character to the town. I don't think it blends in with the character of a market town. We've got to encourage new businesses but it's got to reflect the town.”

Miss Starling added she was concerned about possible congestion on the pavement.

Hugh Farish, of Beech Place, Epping, said: “It's more in keeping with a Turkish brothel. I just can't believe the council aren't doing something about it. The High Street has changed so much in the last ten years. This is ruining the character of the town. We're going to turn into the Soho of Essex.”

Bar 195, which used to occupy the building, was faced with enforcement action when it changed its appearance without planning consent, and councillors are currently looking into the latest makeover of the building, which used to be the Half Moon pub.

Council leader Di Collins said: “We had got it changed from the black because it was depressing, but this is awful. We were all absolutely gobsmacked when we first saw it.

“We made them [Bar 195] change the windows and it looked a bit better, but I understand you can't do anything about what colour you paint a building. When it was black it was bad but now it's pink. You don't know whether to laugh or cry.”

The Epping Society, which aims to promote and conserve the town, has said it will write to the council to ask if the colour of the new bar can be changed.

Chairman Sue Allison said: “There was a general consensus it wasn't our cup of tea.”

Billie Jeans has been asked to comment.